The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) is inviting applications for a funded Master’s degree opportunity for qualified international and domestic students interested in wildlife ecology, conservation biology, and related fields.
The Biology Program at ULM is seeking a highly motivated M.S. student to serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant while conducting thesis research on the ecology and conservation of the Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in Louisiana.
The University of Louisiana Masters Scholarship provides a competitive graduate assistantship stipend, tuition waiver, opportunities to attend professional conferences, and hands-on training in wildlife research methods, GIS, occupancy modeling, and scientific writing.
In this post, you will find the scholarship details, eligibility requirements, benefits, required documents, research responsibilities, and step-by-step application process.
University of Louisiana Masters Scholarship 2027 Summary
- Host Country: United States of America
- Host Institution: University of Louisiana
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Master’s Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: Domestic and International Students
- Reward: Graduate Assistantship | Tuition Waiver | Stipend | Conference Travel Opportunities
- Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
University of Louisiana Master’s Scholarship Details
The Biology Program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe is seeking a motivated M.S. student to join a research project examining the ecology and conservation of the Gray Fox in Louisiana.
The selected student will work under the supervision of Dr. Anastasia Couvillon and investigate how small-mammal abundance and diversity influence gray fox occupancy across major Louisiana habitat types.
The research will focus on longleaf pine forests, bottomland hardwood forests, and agricultural-forest edge ecosystems.
The project combines several wildlife research and analytical techniques, including:
- Camera trapping
- Small-mammal live trapping
- GIS
- Occupancy modeling
- Wildlife habitat analysis
- Statistical analysis
- Ecological data management
The project is designed to improve understanding of predator-prey relationships in managed landscapes while providing the selected student with practical research experience relevant to wildlife management, conservation, and doctoral-level research.
Eligibility Requirements for University of Louisiana Masters Scholarship 2027
To be considered for the University of Louisiana Masters Scholarship, applicants should:
- Hold a B.S. degree in Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
- Demonstrate an interest in wildlife ecology, mammalogy, conservation biology, or quantitative ecology.
- Have experience in field research, wildlife surveys, GIS, R, or statistical analysis. However, these skills are desirable but not required.
- Possess strong organizational and communication skills.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Be capable of working independently in field conditions.
- Be prepared for extended outdoor fieldwork across Louisiana.
Benefits of University of Louisiana Masters Scholarship 2027
The Graduate Teaching Assistantship provides:
- Competitive graduate assistantship stipend.
- Tuition waiver, subject to university policies.
- Opportunities to travel to professional conferences.
- Hands-on training in wildlife research methods.
- Training in GIS and spatial analysis.
- Training in occupancy modeling.
- Experience with camera trapping and small-mammal surveys.
- Scientific writing and publication experience.
- Opportunities to contribute to peer-reviewed research.
- Collaboration with state and federal wildlife agencies.
- Professional development relevant to wildlife management, conservation research, and future PhD study.
Research Opportunities
The selected student will have opportunities to:
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Collaborate with state and federal wildlife agencies.
- Develop advanced skills in wildlife research and conservation.
- Gain experience in quantitative ecology and statistical analysis.
- Participate in applied conservation research.
- Present research findings at regional and national scientific conferences.
- Develop a strong research background for future doctoral programs.
Responsibilities of the Graduate Assistant
Research Responsibilities
The selected M.S. student will:
- Lead field data collection throughout Louisiana.
- Deploy and maintain camera-trap arrays.
- Conduct Sherman and Tomahawk live-trapping surveys for small mammals.
- Collect habitat and environmental covariate data.
- Manage ecological datasets.
- Analyze data using R and GIS software.
- Develop occupancy models.
- Conduct spatial analyses.
- Prepare a Master’s thesis.
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication.
- Present research findings at scientific conferences.
Teaching Assistant Responsibilities
In addition to research responsibilities, the student will serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant within the Biology Program.
Teaching responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with undergraduate laboratory courses.
- Leading laboratory sections and review sessions.
- Grading assignments and laboratory reports.
- Assisting faculty with course preparation.
- Mentoring undergraduate students.
How to Apply for University of Louisiana Masters Scholarship 2027
To apply for the University of Louisiana Masters Scholarship:
- Review the research project and confirm that your academic background and interests align with the position.
- Prepare your cover letter explaining your research interests and long-term career goals.
- Prepare your current CV or résumé.
- Obtain an unofficial copy of your academic transcripts.
- Prepare the names and contact information of three professional or academic references.
- Combine the application materials into a single PDF file.
- Send the PDF application to Dr. Anastasia Couvillon at couvillon@ulm.edu.
- Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled, so early application is recommended.
Application Contact
Dr. Anastasia Couvillon
Assistant Professor of Biology
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Email: couvillon@ulm.edu
Application Deadline
August 31, 2026
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
📋 Required Documents
- Unofficial academic transcripts
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
- Cover letter describing your research interests and career goals
- Contact information for three references.